The NFL landscape is shifting with Week 5 approaching, marked by a surge of injury updates across multiple teams. The Philadelphia Eagles are experiencing a growing list of sidelined players, including key offensive weapons Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith. Meanwhile, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is reportedly on track for a return to action.
Philadelphia's injury concerns intensified on Wednesday, with both running back Saquon Barkley and wide receiver DeVonta Smith missing practice due to hamstring injuries. Smith is expected to miss extended time after sitting out the previous week's game, while Barkley is considered week-to-week after limiting him to just four snaps in Sunday's loss. They join a lengthy Eagles injury report that includes tight end Dallas Goedert (knee), linebacker Zack Baun (concussion), cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (knee), and offensive lineman Landon Dickerson and tight end Eli Stowers, both on injured reserve. The recent retirement of veteran offensive tackle Lane Johnson further compounds Philadelphia's depth issues ahead of their trip to London to face the Jaguars.
In Washington, quarterback Jayden Daniels was a full participant in practice, putting him in line to start Sunday's home game against the New York Giants. Daniels sustained a left elbow dislocation against Dallas in Week 2, his second career dislocation of that elbow. He has been utilizing a brace during practice and plans to wear it during games, a decision he says is about protecting himself. Coach Dan Quinn noted the team is working with Daniels on techniques to prevent re-injury. Giants coach John Harbaugh stated his team is preparing for Daniels to play, with edge rusher Abdul Carter expressing a desire to see how Daniels reacts to contact, encouraging him to run.
Elsewhere, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson's status for Week 5 remains uncertain. Jackson did not practice Wednesday after injuring his ankle in Sunday's victory over the Titans. Head coach Jesse Minter indicated that there is still time for Jackson to be evaluated and that he has the experience to play without a full week of practice if necessary. Should Jackson be unable to play, Tyler Huntley would start. The Ravens also reported several other players missing practice, including edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, cornerback Marlon Humphrey, tackle Ronnie Stanley, and guard Andrew Vorhees, while tight end Durham Smythe was placed on injured reserve. Baltimore is scheduled to play Atlanta on Sunday night.
The winless Los Angeles Chargers are also facing personnel challenges, with right tackle Joe Alt expected to miss their Week 5 matchup against the Denver Broncos due to a neck injury. Alt suffered the injury during last week's loss to the Seahawks and did not practice on Wednesday. Despite his absence, the team does not plan to place him on injured reserve. Alt was one of eight Chargers players who did not practice Wednesday, signaling a cautious approach to his recovery.